Empowering the Next Generation of Histotechnologists

The Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund helps histology professionals achieve certification by covering exam application fees for the HT(ASCP), HT(ASCPⁱ), HTL(ASCP) and HTL(ASCPⁱ).

The National Society for Histotechnology believes that educated, trained, professional histotechnicians and histotechnologists are essential to providing quality patient healthcare in today’s complex medical laboratory.  At NSH, we’re passionate about supporting you to advance your career through certification.  

The Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund will award three scholarships each quarter to cover the cost of HT/HTL exam application fees up to $250 USD. 

How it Works

Applicants must fill out the Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund application listed on this website expressing their intent to apply for the HT(ASCP), HT(ASCPⁱ), HTL(ASCP), and HTL(ASCPⁱ) exam within the next 6 months.

Criteria/Applicant Requirements

• Must be a current NSH Member
• Must be applying to take the exam within 6 months of application.

Recipient Notifications

Three scholarships (up to $250 USD per scholarship) will be awarded each quarter (March, June, September, December).  Recipients will be notified via email.  Applicants who are not selected are invited to reapply.  Applicants receiving a scholarship cannot reapply for 3 years after the initial scholarship award.

Who was Lena Spencer?

Honoring the Legacy of Lena Spencer

Lena Spencer was a pillar of the histotechnology community, a dedicated leader within NSH, and a mentor to many. With over a decade of service on the NSH Board of Directors—including three terms as Region Director and two terms as NSH President—Lena’s influence shaped the profession in lasting ways. This fund supports NSH members pursuing histology certification. Lena believed in certification and we want to honor her memory by helping others take this path. 

A Champion for Quality & Education

As NSH President, Lena played a key role in forging a partnership with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to develop the NSH/CAP HistoQIP Program (Histology Quality Improvement Program). This initiative provided laboratories with a standardized method to evaluate and improve the quality of their microscopic stains—a program that now serves thousands of labs worldwide.

Beyond NSH, Lena served on the HT/HTL Examination Committee for ASCP and contributed to the Health Professions Network Board of Directors, advocating for allied health workforce development. She also shared her expertise as an author, writing two chapters for the widely used textbook Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques.

A Leader, Mentor, and Friend

Lena’s leadership extended beyond titles—she was a mentor who uplifted others through encouragement and wisdom. She had a unique way of guiding people, often answering questions with more questions, encouraging others to think critically and learn through discovery.

A dear friend and colleague shared:
"Lena made everyone feel like a friend. She was kind, soft-spoken, and never had an unkind word for anyone. But before her first Diet Coke of the day, she could certainly look a little grumpy! She was an outstanding NSH President and educator, a role model for our profession, and a fierce advocate for histotechnology."

Lena’s dedication earned her numerous honors, including Histotechnologist of the Year, NSH Luminary, and was Histotechnologist of the Decade in 2020. 

Her Legacy Lives On

Outside of histotechnology, Lena had a deep love for animals, often rescuing St. Bernards in need of homes. She also enjoyed organizing Kentucky Derby parades and spending time with her family. Her kindness, courage, and generosity touched countless lives.

The Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund was created to honor her legacy, ensuring that future generations of histotechnology professionals have the support they need to achieve certification and advance in their careers. Lena spent her life elevating our profession—now, we continue that mission in her name.

To contribute to the Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund, please send a check made out to to National Society for Histotechnology with the Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund in the memo line to The National Society for Histotechnology, PO Box 715914 Philadelphia, PA 19171-5914. Contributions are not tax deductible.